HMS Ocean assumes flagship role

An Apache helicopter takes off from HMS Ocean during Operation Ellamy, the UK’s contribution to UNSCR1973 in the Mediterranean Sea near Libya.

The 21,000 tonne vessel is an amphibious assault ship and landing platform helicopter. She is designed to support amphibious landing operations and to support the staff of Commander UK Amphibious Force and Commander UK Landing Force.

The helicopter carrier will take over the duty from HMS Bulwark having recently taken part in Joint Warrior off Scotland.

Ocean will sail next month for the first of a series of exercises that will demonstrate the flexibility of the warship for tasks ranging from the delivery of humanitarian aid to the full range of amphibious operations. Ocean is also paving the way for HMS Queen Elizabeth which will assume the role of the Royal Navy’s Flagship when she enters service.